by
Melinda Pillsbury-Foster
“The 4th”
is now over. We are
all sated, filled with hotdogs, picking corn-on-the-cob out of our
teeth, and remembering the glorious sight of darkened skies lit up
with the blaze of fireworks and children laughing.
But there
is probably one tradition you overlooked.
The 4th
of July was originally intended as the day people gathered to hear
the reading of the document which was, effectively, the mission
statement for governance for 13 very different colonies.
The Battle
of Lexington Concord had occurred April 19, 1775.The war had already
begun in 1776.
It ended
formally with the Treaty of Paris September 3, 1783.
We
celebrate on the 4th,
forgetting how the world looked to them, July 4, 1776.
The
prospects for freedom were dark when Jefferson penned the words. War
against the greatest power on earth, the British Empire, was deemed
to be a lost cause, an impossible battle for untrained farmers.
Hardened, professional soldiers were stationed in various parts of
their homeland.
The
Declaration of Independence, written in short, and precise language,
is still admired for its elegance, power and truth. It was approved
by men who understood the reality they faced. They signed, accepting
the consequences of their actions.
In towns
across America, tiny and large, people gathered to listen as the news
arrived. The Declaration was read in its entirety. Silence prevailed
as the words rang out. These were people whose lives were often
harsh. They faced war with no illusions. No end was in sight. The
task facing them was far more daunting than what faces us today.
The
Declaration defined the mission which brought people together,
willing to work, fight or die, as needed.
They were
people used to governing themselves. Many dreamed of justice and
freedom for everyone. We still hold this vision today; a people who
truly govern themselves locally.
After the
Declaration was passed on July 2nd
and read in Philadelphia on the 4th,
it took a long time for copies to be transported and read throughout
the colonies, now each a sovereign state.
July 4th
is one day. Read the Declaration often. Though our oppressor is no
longer located in Buckingham Palace the mission enunciated in this,
the foundation of our government, remains to be realized.
Read it
carefully. Consider your actions in the months to come. Choose
wisely. <a
href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120704/OPINION01/207040310/1008/opinion01/Full-text-Declaration-Independence">LINK</a>
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